Donald Trump’s latest social media tirade is aimed squarely at members of his own party, underscoring the growing cracks inside the MAGA movement over tariffs.
After several House Republicans broke ranks and voted to undo an executive order that grouped Canada into a new round of steep tariffs, the former president lashed out publicly. On Truth Social, he warned that any Republican who dares oppose his trade agenda would “seriously suffer the consequences” at election time, including facing primary challenges. The message was unmistakable: loyalty to Trump’s tariff strategy is now a litmus test within the GOP.
Trump defended the tariffs as essential to both economic strength and national security, insisting that no Republican should be “responsible” for undermining what he framed as a strategic advantage. In a separate post, he accused Canada of exploiting the United States for years and argued that tariffs deliver easy wins. The tone reflected a familiar pattern aggressive, combative, and aimed at rallying his base rather than persuading skeptics.
The six Republicans who voted alongside nearly every Democrat to reverse the Canada tariffs were Reps. Don Bacon of Nebraska, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Jeff Hurd of Colorado, Kevin Kiley of California, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and Dan Newhouse of Washington. Their decision signals unease within parts of the GOP about the economic impact of blanket tariffs, especially as businesses report rising costs and supply chain disruptions.
The measure now heads to the Senate, where the internal Republican debate is likely to intensify. At the same time, public opinion appears to be shifting. Polling shows Trump’s long-term approval outlook softening, with 47% of Americans saying they believe he will ultimately be unsuccessful. Even among Republican voters, his approval has dipped from previous highs.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has stood firmly behind Trump’s trade agenda, urging colleagues to give the policy more time to play out between the executive and judicial branches. But Democrats argue that American families are already feeling the consequences. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the tariffs are driving up prices and fueling economic uncertainty, adding that Democrats forced a vote to repeal the Canada tariffs in what he described as an effort to protect working families.
What’s clear is that the tariff fight is no longer just a partisan clash between Democrats and Republicans it’s becoming an internal Republican power struggle. And as economic pressures mount, the political cost of that divide may only grow.
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